Author: Jon Mitchell

James: The Excoriating Condemnation of the Rich

It is not an inherent sin to be wealthy.  With that said, the Bible also teaches that it is difficult for the rich to find salvation (Matt. 19:16-26; cf. 13:22; 1 Cor. 1:26).  One reason for this is due to how easy it is for the rich to focus on their wealth instead of God and His will (Lk. 12:13-21; 1 Tim. 6:6-10, 17).  Another reason, closely related to this, is the fact that many wealthy people give in to the temptation to do sinful things to others in the name of obtaining more wealth.  Such was the case with the rich people to whom James was speaking in chapter 5. … Read More James: The Excoriating Condemnation of the Rich

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Bible Q&A: Please Explain the Differences Between God’s Religion and Man’s Religion

Please explain the differences between God’s religion and man’s religion. Let’s first define religion.  The dictionary defines “religion” as “a particular system of faith and worship,” “a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance,” and “the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods.”  The New… Read More Bible Q&A: Please Explain the Differences Between God’s Religion and Man’s Religion

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James: Do The Right Thing, Today

How many families who sat down to supper together while traveling across the North Atlantic on the RMS Titanic on the evening of April 14, 1912 knew that they were eating their last meal together and that within hours their husbands and fathers would drown or die of hypothermia?  Did they know they would meet the dawn of the new day as newly made widows and orphans?  Of course not…and yet it still happened with no warning.… Read More James: Do The Right Thing, Today

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Bible Q&A: Were the Apostles Baptized?

Were the apostles baptized? They were undoubtedly baptized for several reasons.  Some of them, such as Andrew and John, had been John the Baptist’s disciples before they came to Jesus (John 1:35-42).  They would have therefore been baptized with John’s baptism which was associated with repentance and for forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4).  The apostles,… Read More Bible Q&A: Were the Apostles Baptized?

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If God Exists, Why Do Evil and Suffering Exist?: The Choice Factor

None of us are perfect.  We all make mistakes and we’ll continue to make mistakes.  Freedom of choice exists.  We are all free to make whatever choices in life we want to make.  Yet, none of us are perfect.  That means we will make wrong choices at times.  That in turn means that where there is freedom of choice, the result will be wrong choices. What can produce evil and suffering in the world?  Wrong choices.… Read More If God Exists, Why Do Evil and Suffering Exist?: The Choice Factor

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